How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Many cat flap installer near me owners are familiar with the feeling of getting up in the middle of the night to let their cats out but only to change their minds and want to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap is a solution to this issue.

It operates by scanning your cat's microchip, allowing in only authorised cats, and denying access to others. There are a variety of advantages of having a cat flap that are:

Peace of mind

Cat flaps help to keep your cat secure and safe by allowing them to go in and out whenever they want. They can stay inside at night if they prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by wild cats or other cats that may be out hunting during the night. These animals can carry deadly diseases that your cat could be exposed to if they are out at night.

Conventional cat flaps can also let other cats out and in - this is a big worry for pet owners who do not wish to have neighbours' cats harassing their pets, marking their house as their territory, eating their food or getting into fights with them. A microchip cat flap can keep other cats out by recognizing your cat's unique microchip number and only unlocking for that, so your cat is the only one to be able to enter and exit.

A microchip cat flap may even give you peace of mind when you are not home like when you are away for the evening or on holiday. It is linked to an app and hub that tracks your pet's movements inside and out of the home. You can also set a smart curfew to restrict when they are allowed to leave and enter. The app can be shared with family and friends, so they can keep track of your pets when you're away.

A microchip cat flap with an infrared or magnetic collar key will add additional security by allowing your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance of it. You should spend some time teaching your cat how to use the flap. This is especially crucial if your cat isn't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open so they can be able to see the world outside and smell it. In the meantime, by distributing a favorite toy or food item from either side of flap you can give your cat praise and a reward each time it puts its head through. Once they feel confident you can gradually close the flap.

Safety

There are a myriad of cat flaps on the market with a variety of features. It's important to choose a cat flap that suits the size of your pet so that they can move in and out without any difficulty. Look for a durable material that can withstand rain, paws and claws.

Some cat flaps can be locked in a variety of ways to help secure your home and prevent burglars from getting in. You can lock them manually by using a peg that fits into the lock, or opt for microchip cat flaps that allow only registered cats to be allowed into and out of the house. These cat flaps are quick to set up and simple to programme, making them perfect for homes with several cats.

The main benefit of microchip cat flaps is that they allow you to track your pet's movements around the house, even when you're away from home. Certain models come with smart technology that lets you monitor the movements of your pets from the door or window through an app on your smartphone.

This is helpful in the event that you are worried that your cat may wander off from home or if they have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely unlock their cat flap if they do get into trouble.

You can also select a four-way manual locking mechanism, which gives you more control over who is able to be allowed to enter and exit. This is especially helpful for cats that are aggressive or older and may have difficulty using the traditional flap. This is a great option to keep your pets from entering your home when they are sick or when it is raining outside.

Some pet owners choose flaps that scan the pet's chip, and let it in when the pet is registered. This prevents other cats. These systems can be more expensive than other cat flaps but they are an effective method to stop your neighbor's cats getting into your house.

Convenience

Access to the outside world can help keep your cat mentally and physically active. It also helps reduce the number of accidents that occur within the home. A lot of cats are also attracted by the scents of herbs such as cat thyme (catmint) catnip, catnip, and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap if they are still unsure.

If you have a small hinged panel, which can be attached to fitting a cat flap in a upvc door upvc door panel with cat flap fitted or window it's easy enough to teach your cat how to use it by placing treats on the opposite side of the flap and encouraging them to use it by offering their favorite food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, the practice will become habitual.

Another option is to use a magnetic Cat Flap (153.126.169.73), which recognises your pet's microchip and allows it to be inserted. They're more expensive, however they work by putting a magnetic device on the collar of your pet to unlock the flap and grant access to your home. These are a great solution for households with multiple cats and keep out stray cats out of the property.

Other models come with different locking options. You can choose to lock it either closed or open, exit only, or entry only. These can be useful if you want to control when your cat goes out and comes back, especially if it's late at night or you're not at home. They may also be useful if you're away from home for long periods of time and need to ensure that your cat is safe inside.

You can also select a cat flap that connects to your smartphone and can be operated by an app that means you can control your cat's entrance and exit with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and provide greater peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps have video monitoring and can be accessed from anywhere connected to the Internet.

Training

If you have a kitten or cat who has never used a cat flap it can take a while to get them used to the idea of going outside on their own. Certain cats are naturally curious and can adjust to the new situation very quickly. Others may require being gently enthused and require time to learn how to push the flap open using a paw or head. Observing your cat from both the inside and outside can help you decide what methods of training to use. However, remember that every cat is different.

Instead of forcing your cat to walk through the flap, you should try to encourage them by giving them treats. The flap should be opened slightly (not enough to be able to see the other side) and then place an item on the opposite side. Then, call them through the cat flap, keeping your voice steady and positive to make the learning sessions easier on both you and your cat. This will help your cat learn how to go through the flap, noticing that it leads them closer to the reward on the other side of the flap.

When your cat starts to play with the flap or use their head to open it, you can let them explore the outdoors and enjoy their newfound freedom. However, it's important to watch your cat and ensure they are safe outdoors as some cats can be vulnerable to the elements as well as other animals, such as the cats in the area.

If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outside world you can always keep them inside at night, or leave the flap open so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This lets you ensure that they're getting all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also gives them a way of escape from any stressful situations in the home, like when you're cooking or cleaning. They will also be able to rest in the knowing that they will be able to return home if they want to.